U.S. patent application number 17/617419 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-11 for manually adjustable conveyor belt guiderail and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is SPAN TECH LLC. Invention is credited to James L. LAYNE.
Application Number | 20220250852 17/617419 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220250852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LAYNE; James L. |
August 11, 2022 |
MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE CONVEYOR BELT GUIDERAIL AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
An apparatus is for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or
more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in
a conveying direction. The apparatus include a support rail and at
least one movable support for adjusting a position of the guiderail
relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying
direction. The at least one movable support includes a collapsible
support for engaging the support rail and supporting the guiderail.
The collapsible support is adapted to extend and retract into the
conveying path in a direction transverse to the conveying direction
to selectively position the guiderail relative to the support rail.
The movable support includes a clamp for fixing a location of the
movable support relative to the support rail. Related methods are
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
LAYNE; James L.; (Bowling
Green, KY) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SPAN TECH LLC |
Glasgow |
KY |
US |
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Appl. No.: |
17/617419 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
June 15, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2020/037707 |
371 Date: |
December 8, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62861633 |
Jun 14, 2019 |
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International
Class: |
B65G 21/20 20060101
B65G021/20; B65G 21/10 20060101 B65G021/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more
articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a
conveying direction, comprising: a support rail; and at least one
movable support for supporting and adjusting a position of the
guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the
conveying direction, the at least one movable support including a
clamp fixing a location of the at least one movable support
relative to the support rail.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one movable
support includes a collapsible support comprising a pair of arms
connected for pivoting movement relative to a shuttle for engaging
the support rail.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each arm of the pair of arms
is pivotably connected to a connector, the connector including a
receiver adapted for receiving a portion of the guiderail.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the connector includes an
extension for engaging the support rail to prevent the pair of arms
from reaching a locked position.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each connector comprises a
retainer for engaging the support rail.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the connectors
includes at least one roller for rotatably engaging the support
rail.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises an
actuator for selectively activating the clamp for engaging the
support rail and releasing the clamp for allowing the at least one
movable support to slide along the support rail.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the actuator includes a wedge
for selectively engaging the support rail.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises a
lever.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one movable
support comprises a body including at least one retainer for
retaining the actuator and an opening for receiving and retaining
the wedge.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one retainer is
frictionally-enhanced for engaging the actuator as a result of an
opposing force created by engagement of the wedge with the support
rail in an actuated condition of the actuator.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the actuator comprises a
handle.
13. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more
articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a
conveying direction in connection with a support rail, comprising:
at least one movable support for adjusting a position of the
guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the
conveying direction, the at least one movable support comprising a
collapsible support for engaging the support rail and supporting
the guiderail, the collapsible support adapted to extend and
retract into the conveying path in a direction transverse to the
conveying direction to selectively position the guiderail relative
to the support rail, the at least one movable support including a
clamp adapted to clamp the at least one movable support to the
support rail for fixing a location of the at least one movable
support relative to the support rail.
14. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more
articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a
conveying direction in connection with a support rail, comprising:
a shuttle adapted for moving to and fro along the support rail, the
shuttle including a lever for selectively urging a retainer into
engagement with the support rail to fix a location of the shuttle
thereon.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the retainer comprises a
wedge.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, further including a collapsible
support comprising a pair of arms connected for relative pivoting
movement at one end, and at least one of the arms connected to the
shuttle for engaging the support rail at another end.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each arm of the pair of arms
is pivotably connected to a connector, the connector including a
receiver adapted for receiving a portion of the guiderail.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the connector includes an
extension for engaging the support rail to prevent the pair of arms
from reaching a locked position.
19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lever comprises
channels, each for engaging the retainer associated with the
shuttle.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein each retainer is
frictionally-enhanced for engaging the channels as a result of an
opposing force created by the engagement of the retainer with the
support rail in an actuated condition of the lever.
21-28. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/861,633, filed Jun. 14, 2019, and is
also related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/508,700, filed May 19, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 62/550,023, filed Aug. 25, 2017, International Application
Ser. No. PCT/US18/33665, filed May 21, 2018, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/281,889, filed Nov. 13, 2019, the
disclosures of all of the foregoing applications are fully
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to the article conveying arts and,
in particular, to a manually adjustable conveyor belt guiderail and
related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conveyors typically have rails positioned along each side of
the conveyor chain or belt to guide an article along a conveying
path. Articles travel between the rails, which are positioned to
ensure that the articles remain on the conveying path. When a
larger or smaller article is conveyed, or the width of the
conveying path otherwise needs to be adjusted to accommodate an
increased or reduced article flow, the guiderails must be adjusted
to fit the situation.
[0004] Conventional guiderail adjustment systems use extending
guide rods, which support a bracket attached to the guiderail.
These guide rods also protrude outwardly away from the conveyor and
into the surrounding area, thus increasing the overall width and
footprint of the conveyor. The guiderails including rigid rods also
create an unappealing look, since the extended portions of the rods
project from the conveyor sides. Some also require motorized
adjustments, which can add to the cost and complexity.
[0005] Accordingly, a need is identified for an adjustable
guiderail that overcomes the foregoing limitations and possibly
others that have yet to be realized.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for
supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles conveyed
along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction.
The apparatus comprises a support rail and at least one movable
support for adjusting a position of the guiderail relative to the
conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The
at least one movable support is adapted to engage the support rail,
support the guiderail, and extend and retract relative to the
conveying path in a direction transverse to the conveying direction
to selectively position the guiderail relative to the support rail.
The at least one movable support includes a clamp clamping the at
least one movable support to the support rail for fixing a location
of the movable support relative to the support rail.
[0007] In one embodiment, the at least one movable support includes
a collapsible support comprising a pair of arms connected for
pivoting movement relative to a shuttle for engaging the support
rail. Each arm of the pair of arms is pivotably connected to a
connector including a receiver adapted for receiving a portion of
the guiderail. The connector includes an extension for engaging the
support rail to prevent the pair of arms from reaching a locked
position. At least one of the receivers comprises a retainer for
engaging the support rail and/or at least one roller for rotatably
engaging the support rail.
[0008] The clamp may comprise an actuator for selectively
activating the clamp for engaging the support rail and releasing
the clamp for allowing the movable support to slide along the
support rail. The actuator may include a wedge for selectively
engaging the support rail. The actuator may further comprise a
lever. The at least one movable support may include a body
including at least one retainer for retaining the actuator and an
opening for receiving and retaining the wedge. The at least one
retainer may be frictionally-enhanced for engaging the actuator as
a result of an opposing force created by engagement of the wedge
with the support rail in an actuated condition of the actuator. The
actuator may comprise a handle.
[0009] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, an
apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more
articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a
conveying direction in connection with a support rail is provided.
The apparatus comprises at least one movable support for adjusting
a position of the guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction
transverse to the conveying direction. The at least one movable
support includes a collapsible support for engaging the support
rail and supporting the guiderail. The collapsible support is
adapted to be extended and retracted into the conveying path in a
direction transverse to the conveying direction to selectively
position the guiderail relative to the support rail. The at least
one movable support includes a clamp adapted to clamp the movable
support to the support rail for fixing a location of the movable
support relative to the support rail.
[0010] Still a further aspect of the disclosure relates to an
apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more
articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a
conveying direction in connection with a support rail. The
apparatus comprises a shuttle adapted for moving to and fro along
the support rail. The shuttle includes a lever for selectively
urging a retainer into engagement with the support rail to fix a
location of the shuttle thereon.
[0011] In one embodiment, the retainer comprises a wedge. The
apparatus may further include a collapsible support comprising a
pair of arms connected for relative pivoting movement at one end.
At least one of the arms is connected to the shuttle for engaging
the support rail at another end. Each arm of the pair of arms may
be pivotably connected to a connector, which includes a receiver
adapted for receiving a portion of the guiderail. The connector
includes an extension for engaging the support rail to prevent the
pair of arms from reaching a locked position. The lever may
comprise channels, each for engaging the retainer associated with
the shuttle. Each retainer is frictionally-enhanced for engaging
the channels as a result of an opposing force created by the
engagement of the retainer with the support rail in an actuated
condition of the lever.
[0012] This disclosure also pertains to a method for adjustably
supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles conveyed
along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction.
The method comprises clamping a movable support associated with the
guiderail to a support rail. The method further comprises actuating
the movable support to selectively extend or retract the guiderail
toward or away from the conveying path.
[0013] The method may further include the step of releasing the
clamp for allowing the movable support to slide along the support
rail. The clamping step may comprise using a wedge to fix the
position of the movable support. The clamping step may comprise
lowering a clamp to form an engagement with the support rail, such
as by pressing upwardly on a handle associated with the clamp.
[0014] Yet a further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a method
of adjusting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles conveyed
along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction.
The method comprises manually engaging a first support for
supporting the guiderail with a support rail to fix a position of
the first support and hence the guiderail for guiding the one or
more articles along the conveying path.
[0015] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of
manually engaging a second support for supporting the guiderail
with the support rail. The method may further include the step of
manually engaging third and fourth supports for supporting the
guiderail with the support rail, wherein a first distance between
the first and second supports along the support rail is different
from a second distance between the third and fourth supports along
the support rail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0016] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and
forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of
the disclosed inventions and, together with the textual
description, serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the
drawing figures:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
single conveyor guiderail adjuster according to one embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adjuster of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, are top, rear, and bottom views of the
adjuster of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of the adjuster of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIGS. 7 and 8 are left-side and right-side views of the
adjuster of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a collapsible guiderail
support forming part of the adjuster of FIGS. 1-8;
[0023] FIG. 9A is an exploded view illustrating a manner of
connecting an arm to one of the supports (shuttles) for pivoting
movement;
[0024] FIG. 9B is a top view of the assembled configuration of FIG.
9A;
[0025] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG.
9A when assembled, taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9B;
[0026] FIGS. 10 and 11 are top views of the support of FIG. 9 in an
extended and retracted condition;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the support of FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a shuttle for connecting to
the support for manual operation;
[0029] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle of
FIG. 13;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a shuttle for connecting to
the support for automated operation;
[0031] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle of
FIG. 15;
[0032] FIG. 16A is a partially cross-sectional top view of the
shuttle of FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating aspects of an actuator
for actuating the adjustable guiderail support;
[0034] FIG. 18 illustrates a tensioner for a cable forming part of
the actuator for the adjustable support;
[0035] FIGS. 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 illustrate alternative forms of
actuators;
[0036] FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 illustrate a system comprising two
opposed guiderails associated with a plurality of adjusters;
[0037] FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate various aspects of an extendable
guiderail;
[0038] FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate guides for guiding an endless
cable along a curved section of a support rail for the
adjusters;
[0039] FIGS. 32, 33, and 34 are schematic views illustrating the
creation of various zones using the adjustable guiderails according
to the disclosure; and
[0040] FIGS. 35-42 illustrate an embodiment of a manually
adjustable guiderail support.
[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of a manually adjustable guiderail for a
conveyor, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawing figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1-9, one possible embodiment of a
guiderail adjuster 10 forming one aspect of the invention is
illustrated. As illustrated, the adjuster 10 may be adapted to
connect with a guiderail 12 for guiding articles along a conveying
path and in a conveying direction D (see, e.g., FIG. 19). The
guiderail 12 may be supported by a support 14 forming a part of the
adjuster 10, which may be flexible or collapsible (that is, able to
be folded into a more compact shape). The adjuster 10 including the
support 14 is thus capable of extending or retracting the guiderail
12 to change the relative position of the conveying path, without
increasing the overall width of the associated conveyor in a
transverse direction as a result of the adjustment.
[0043] In one embodiment, the support 14 may comprise links in the
form of first and second supports or arms 16, 18 connected to each
other. The arms 16, 18 are rigid in the vertical direction, but
pivotally connected at their inner end portions, such as by a
connector 20. The arms 16, 18 and connector 20 thus create a
linkage (which may be in the form of a two bar linkage, but other
forms could be used).
[0044] At the opposite end, each arm 16, 18 is connected to a
structural part designed to reduce or eliminate friction or provide
support or bearing. In the illustrated embodiment, this structure
takes the form of a movable bolster or shuttle 22, 24 adapted to
frictionally (by sliding or rolling) engage an elongated support
rail 26, which extends generally parallel with the guiderail 12 in
the conveying direction D. Consequently, these connections and the
relative movement established allow for flexing or collapsing of
the support 14 in a direction transverse to the conveying direction
D.
[0045] The support 14 is also adapted to connect with the guiderail
12. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing
the connector 20 with one or more receivers, such as clips 20a, 20b
(which as discussed in further detail below may provide engagement
such that the guiderail 12 is fixed in position, or may be arranged
to allow for relative sliding movement). As can be appreciated from
FIG. 6, the arrangement is such that the overall adjuster 10 has a
very low vertical profile, with a height only slightly greater than
the height of the guiderail 12. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-8, an
optional cover 28 may also be provided (removed in FIG. 9), which
may engage the support rail 26 and provide a measure of protection
for the movable parts of the adjuster 10, but without interfering
with their relative movement and operation.
[0046] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 12, the nature of the pivoted
connection of the arms 16, 18 forming the support 14 for the
guiderail in one embodiment is shown. Each arm 16, 18 may be
provided with a trunnion 16a, 18a, the ends of which are received
and rotatably captured within upper and lower receivers 20c on
either side of the connector 20. However, alternative
configurations could be used, such as a simple hinge (with a
mechanical pin or a living hinge). In any case, movement of the
shuttles 22, 24 along the support rail 26 towards each other causes
the connector 20, and hence, the associated guiderail (not shown)
to move along an adjacent conveying surface in a direction
transverse to the conveying direction. The movement is considered a
flexible one, in that the pivoting of the arms 16, 18 relative to
the connection allows flexing of the flexible joint thus formed.
Likewise, movement of the shuttles 22, 24 in the opposite direction
(farther away from each other) causes the arms 16, 18 to flex
relative to each other (and connector 20) and thereby retract the
guiderail 12.
[0047] Allowing the arms 16, 18 forming the linkage to reach a
"bottomed out" (.beta.=180 degrees or more) and potentially locked
position may be undesirable (especially when the actuation of the
adjusters 10 is automated, as compared to manual). Thus, as can be
appreciated from FIGS. 10 and 11, this condition may be avoided by
providing the side of the connector 20 opposite the guiderail 12
with a protrusion or extension 20d projecting transverse to the
conveying direction, which thus serves to define the maximum
flexing of the joint formed between the arms 16, 18. This
protrusion or extension 20d of the connector 20 may be sized and
positioned to engage the support rail 26 in the fully collapsed
position of the linkage, and thus prevent it from bottoming out and
becoming locked in position. Of course, the protrusion could also
be provided on one or both of the arms 16, 18, or even on the
support rail 26, to achieve a similar result.
[0048] As can be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and
12, by way of being selectively extended or retracted, the support
14 creates an enhanced level of adjustability for an associated
guiderail 12. The adjustments may be achieved in an easy and
efficient manner, and without remarkably increasing the footprint
of the overall conveyor system. Specifically, extending or
retracting the support 14 allows the guiderail 12 pivotally
attached thereto by virtue of connector 20 to be configured to
provide a variable width conveying path for a number of differently
sized articles to be conveyed. For example, when a smaller sized
article is desired to be conveyed, the guiderail 12 need only be
moved in an inward or inboard direction I transverse to the
conveying direction D, thereby causing it to collapse in this
direction (and thus causing the flexible joint to assume an acute
angle .alpha., such as for example as little as 5 degrees in the
illustrated example, and possibly lower in the event the arms 16,
18 may be arranged parallel to each other)). In other words, the
arms 16, 18 move from a position where the relative angle between
them is greater to one in which it is reduced or smaller. This
narrows the conveying path, and thus allows for a readily
customizable arrangement for guiding a variety of differently sized
articles.
[0049] Likewise, if it is desired to convey a larger sized
article/object or otherwise extend the width of the conveying path
relative to the underlying conveyor, the guiderail 12 need only be
moved in an outward or outboard direction O transverse to the
conveying direction D (and thereby flexing the joint so as to
create a large, obtuse angle .beta. between the arms 16, 18, which
may be up to but not including 180 degrees, and as shown is limited
by the presence of the extension or protrusion 20d to prevent a
lock out condition). In other words, the arms 16, 18 move from a
position where the relative angle between them is smaller to one in
which it is greater. In all cases, it can be appreciated that no
rod or like structure projecting outwardly from the support rail
26, and thus the overall width of the arrangement does not change
as a result of the extension or retraction. The resulting conveyor
system may thus have a smaller footprint than would otherwise be
the case if transversely extending rods and corresponding mounts
were utilized.
[0050] The adjustment of the support 14 may be manually or
automatically done. In the manual version, and with reference to
FIGS. 13 and 14, each shuttle 22, 24 may be provided with a
retainer 30 for use in selectively engaging the support rail 26 and
thereby holding the shuttle in the desired position. In the
illustrated embodiment, the retainer 30 comprises a post 32
supporting an actuator in the form of a pivotally mounted lever 34,
such as by way of snap-fit engagement with a clip 32a. The inside
of the lever 34 includes a wedge 36, which is sized and positioned
for not engaging the rail 26 in one position, but frictionally
engaging it in a different position (note positions 34' (free) and
34'' in FIG. 9 (retained)). Opposed plates 38, 40 may be retained
by a fastener F to hold the post 32 in position, and each plate 38,
40 may include a guide 42 for slidably receiving a portion of the
support rail 26. The plates 38, 40 may also include apertures 38a,
40a for receiving a corresponding fastener (such as a keyway plug
16c; see FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C) depending from a proximal end of
each arm 16, 18 for pivotally connecting the ends of the arms 16,
18 with the shuttles 22, 24.
[0051] As can be appreciated, by disengaging the retainer 30 using
lever 34, the associated shuttle 24 is free to move to and fro,
such as by sliding, along the support rail 26, and thereby extend
or retract the support 14 and, hence, the associated guiderail 12.
When a position is reached corresponding to the desired extension
or retraction of the guiderail 12, the retainer 30 may be
reactivated to establish fixed engagement with the support rail 26.
As can be appreciated, it is only necessary to move one of the
shuttles 22, 24 to achieve the desired extension or retraction of
the guiderail 12 in view of the collapsible nature of the support
14 created by the pivotably connected arms 16, 18.
[0052] The shuttles 22, 24 may also be readily adapted to work in
an automated environment. Specifically, at least one, and
potentially each shuttle 22, 24 may be adapted to engage an
actuator for causing movement to and fro along the support rail 26,
depending on the degree of actuation, and thus extending or
retracting the arms 16, 18. As shown in FIG. 17, the actuator may
comprise a connector for connecting with the shuttles 22, 24, such
as a flexible cable 44. The cable 44 may extend over pulleys 46 at
each end (only one shown in FIG. 17 mounted to one end of the
support rail 26, but the arrangement would essentially be the same
as shown at the opposite end of the support rail 26; see, e.g.,
FIG. 19). The arrangement thus forms an endless loop (which may be
associated with plural adjusters 10, as outlined further in the
following description).
[0053] To cause the cable 44 to traverse the endless path, it may
be entrained around a driver, such as capstan 48, which may be
associated with a motor 50 (e.g., a servomotor) also forming part
of the actuator in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the cable
44 may also be provided with a tensioner, such as a turnbuckle 44a,
to allow for the tension to be adjusted as necessary or
desired.
[0054] In this example, and with reference to FIG. 16, each plate
38, 40 may be provided with a retainer 52 for selectively engaging
the cable 44. The retainer 52 may comprise a clamp in the form of a
pivotable cam 54 (only upper one shown in FIG. 16), but could take
other forms as well (e.g., a bolt with a flange for capturing a
portion of the cable 44 against a corresponding surface of the
shuttle). The cam 54 may be journaled on a reduced diameter end 56a
of a post 56, which may be held in place by a fastener F.
[0055] In the illustrated example, and with reference to FIGS. 16
and 16A, the cam 54 includes an enlarged, rounded inner face 54a
for engaging and pressing the cable into engagement with a
frictionally enhanced portion 55 of the plate 38, 40 (which may be
identical, but inverted; in other words, plate 38 is identical in
form to plate 40 in FIG. 16, so it can be understood that the upper
plate includes frictionally enhanced portion 55), and a free end
54b adapted for tactile engagement for movement between the hold
and release position. A lock, such as a removable locking tab 58
with flexible legs for engaging a projection 58a in a snap fit
engagement, may also be provided for engaging and fixing the cam 54
in the locked or closed condition, thus engaging the cable (shown
in phantom line in FIG. 16A). A roller or pulley 60 may be
rotatably journaled at the opposite, reduced diameter end 56b of
post 56 (upper when the cam 54 is at the lower plate 38; lower when
the cam 54 is at the upper plate 38, as shown in FIG. 16).
[0056] As can be appreciated, the cable 44 has a forward run and a
return run in view of the endless loop established. By connecting
one shuttle 22 to the upper run using the clamp (cam 54) located as
shown in FIG. 16, and connecting the other shuttle 24 to the return
run using a clamp (cam 54 on plate 40, as per FIG. 16A) at a
corresponding location, actuation using a single actuator thus
causes the shuttles 22, 24 to move toward or away from each other,
thereby flexing the joint of the support 14 created by arms 16, 18
and extending or retracting the guiderail 12. The alternate run of
the cable 44 that is not fixed to the shuttle 22, 24 simply engages
the roller/pulley 60, and thus does not impede the relative
movement.
[0057] With continued reference to FIG. 16, each shuttle 22, 24 may
also be provided with rollers 62 to create low-friction engagement
with the support rail 26. The rollers 62 may comprise individual
rollers 62a connected to the plates 38, 40 by fasteners 64 and
arranged for engaging an outer face of the support rail 26, as well
as rollers 62b journaled in the plates 38, 40 for engaging the
inside face of the support rail 26. As can be appreciated, the
spaced rollers 62a allow for a portion of the rail 26 to pass for
engaging and supporting the cover 28.
[0058] Alternative forms of actuation are possible, which
advantageously may use a single actuator for activating plural
adjusters 10 for adjusting the width of the conveying path. For
example, as shown in FIG. 19, the connector, such as cable 44, may
be associated with a rack 66, which is arranged for engaging a
rotatable pinion 68. In view of the endless nature of the cable 44,
and the corresponding connections with the shuttles 22, 24 as
described above, actuation of the pinion 68 in one direction causes
the simultaneous actuation of plural adjusters 10. This advances
the guiderail 12 (shown as two disconnected portions with phantom
portion for purposes of illustration) in the transverse direction T
of the conveyor C (which as indicated has a conveying path P formed
by a conveying surface (chain or belt B) in the conveying direction
D, and note reduced width path P' as a result of the advance of the
guiderail 12 in the transverse direction). Specifically, rotating
the pinion in a clockwise direction moves the rack to the right in
FIG. 19, and in view of the connection of the forward run of the
cable 44 with shuttles 22 of each guiderail adjuster 10, and the
return run with shuttles 24, causes the advancement illustrated.
Reversing the direction of rotation of pinion 68 causes the
opposite movement to occur.
[0059] The actuation of the adjusters 10 associated with the
conveyor C may again be manual or automated. Thus, as shown in
FIGS. 20-22, a hand wheel 70 may be connected to the associated
conveyor C and rotated to cause the actuation of one or more of the
adjusters 10 (basically, as many as are connected to a single
connector or cable 44, which could be any number (2, 5, 10, 20 or
more), depending on the strength of the actuator arrangement used.
FIG. 23 illustrates the use of a motor 72 (e.g., servomotor) for
automated operation.
[0060] FIGS. 24-26 illustrate an overview of a possible arrangement
of the adjustable guiderail support system incorporating a
plurality of adjusters 10 for use in connection with a conveyor
having a conveying path (not shown). Opposed inner and outer
guiderails 12a, 12b are shown for guiding articles (not shown)
along the conveying path. The adjustable guiderail supports 14a,
14b are supporting inner guiderail 12a and the adjustable guiderail
support 14c is supporting outer guiderail 12b. Thus, if it is
desired adjust the conveying path width W to accommodate
differently sized articles (or groups thereof), guiderail 12a
(along with guiderail supports 14a, 14b) and guiderail 12b (along
with guiderail support 14c and any others present) may be moved.
The movement may again be manual or automatic using a single
actuator (including cable 44) transverse the conveying direction D
along each support rail 26 (with an associated motor, the operation
of which may be coordinated by a single controller) in order to
widen or narrow the conveying path width W (note smaller width W'
in FIG. 25, and even smaller width W'' in FIG. 26, which may
correspond to a single row of articles being conveyed, such as
bottles or cans). In such situations, it may be desirable to have
the receivers (e.g., clips 20a, 20b) firmly engage the guiderail
12a, 12b at every other adjuster 10, but slidably engage at others,
to allow for the desired extension and retraction.
[0061] FIGS. 27-28 illustrate that the guiderail 12 may comprise an
extendable joint 74 comprised of portions, such as legs 12c, 12d,
having a reduced vertical dimension (basically each equal to one
half of the overall guiderail height). These legs 12c, 12d may
overlie each other or overlap in a vertical direction, and are
slidably received in receivers 76, which may take the form of
C-shaped clamps that allow for relative movement of the legs
(toward a common center during retraction of the guiderail 12 and
away from it during extension). The receivers 76 thus retain the
legs 12c, 12d together, yet capable of relative movement in the
conveying direction during extension and retraction of the
associated guiderail portions. This allows for the guiderail 12 to
provide the desired extension and retraction, such as via supports
14, to accommodate a particular article being conveyed or form a
particular conveying path. Hence, one or both of the legs 12c, 12d
may be curved, but use of the supports 14 in connection with
straight portions that are connected by the extendable joints is
also possible. It can also be appreciated from FIG. 28 that the
extendable joints 74 allow for opposing guiderails 12 to extend or
retract different amounts, which may occur when one is associated
with an inside curve and the other with an outer curve.
[0062] Depending on the size or shape of the underlying conveyor C,
it may also be desirable to provide a guide intermediate the
adjusters 10 for guiding the connector, such as cable 44. As shown
in FIGS. 29-31, this may be achieved using the manual shuttle 22 or
24 of FIGS. 13 and 14, which may be equipped with pulleys 60 for
engaging the upper and lower runs of the cable 44. The shuttles 22,
24 may be selectively positioned using the associated retainers 30.
Stationary brackets 78 may also be provided with upper and lower
guides 78a, 78b for guiding the respective runs of the cable
44.
[0063] FIGS. 32-34 schematically illustrate a possible application
of the adjusters 10 to create zones of different widths in a single
conveyor or conveyor system (e.g., comprised of multiple
conveyors). As shown in FIG. 32, a first series of adjusters 10a
associated with an underlying conveyor C may be used to provide an
upstream portion of the conveyor with guiderails 12a, 12b spaced
farther apart, thus forming a first zone Z1, and a second series of
adjusters 10b may be used to place downstream guiderails 12e, 12f
spaced closer together, thus forming a second zone Z2. The
adjusters 10a, 10b may be manually adjusted, or associated with
different actuators (e.g., a cable system, as described above).
Later in time, as indicated in FIG. 33, the adjusters 10a, 10b may
be altered to make the zones Z1, Z2 the same width, or for zone Z2
to be wider than zone Z1, as indicated in FIG. 34. As can be
appreciated, the material of the guiderails 12a-12b may be flexible
or include flexible interconnections (including the joints 74
described above) to allow for the relative movement, which is
exaggerated in the schematic figures for purposes of
illustration).
[0064] An alternate embodiment of an adjuster in the form of a
movable support 100 adapted for being manually adjusted is
described with reference to FIGS. 35-42. From FIGS. 34, 35, and 36,
it can be understood that each movable support 100 comprises a
connector in the form of a shuttle 102 for engaging a stationary
support rail 104, and which is connected to a guiderail support arm
106. The shuttle 102 includes a body 108 including a pair of
retainers 110 for supporting a clamp 112. The clamp 112 comprises
an actuator in the form of a lever 114 adapted for moving along the
retainers 110, such as in a vertical direction. Movement of the
lever 114 forces a movable retainer, such as a wedge 116 into
engagement with the corresponding (outer) surface of the support
rail 104 (compare position of lever 114 and wedge 116 in FIG. 38
with raised position of lever 114' and wedge 116' in FIG. 39 for
engaging the support rail (not shown) that would be present in
opening Q).
[0065] The lever 114 may include a receiver 114a for receiving the
wedge 116 and urging it into engagement with the support rail 104
as the lever is moved, such as in a vertical direction. The lever
114 may further channels 114b for receiving the retainers 110,
which may be frictionally enhanced (such as by including threading,
as shown), to create a suitable retention force and hold the lever
114 in the actuated condition as a result of the outwardly directed
force created by wedge 116, yet be easily releasable using finger
action (note handle 114c for this purpose; that is, moving the
lever 114 upwardly to force the wedge 116 into engagement with the
support rail).
[0066] As indicated previously, a movable support 100 may be
associated with each support arm, including a second support arm
118, as shown in FIG. 40. This movable support 100 need not include
any retainer for fixing its position along the support rail, since
it is connected by way of arms 106, 118 to the fixable support
described above. This second support 100 may include one or more
rollers 120 for facilitating low-friction rolling contact with the
support rail (not shown), which would be located in opening Q.
However, as indicated in FIG. 41, it is possible to provide each
support 100 with a clamp 112, which may be used to independently
fix it to the associated support rail 104.
[0067] As can be understood with reference to FIG. 42, the
above-described embodiment allows for each support 100 to be
independently moved along the support rail 104 to a position (such
as closer to each other or further apart from each other in the
conveying direction) for positioning a guiderail connector,
illustrated in the form of a receiver 124, associated with the
respective support arms 106, 118 (which connector 124 may include
an extension 124a for engaging the support rail 104 in a collapsed
condition of the support 100 to prevent it from bottoming out). In
this manner, the relative positioning of the guiderail (not shown)
may be independently and selectively adjusted by a user, and using
a manual approach that avoids the need for power, motors, etc. Yet,
the low-profile nature of the supports 100 is retained, which
allows for a conveyor system to be provided which lacks the
outwardly directed rods or like structures that can create various
problems, as noted above.
[0068] Summarizing, this disclosure may be considered to relate to
the following items in any combination:
[0069] 1. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one
or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path
in a conveying direction, comprising: [0070] a support rail; and
[0071] at least one movable support for adjusting a position of the
guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the
conveying direction including a clamp for clamping to the support
rail for fixing a location of the at least one movable support
relative to the support rail.
[0072] 2. The apparatus of item 1, wherein the at least one movable
support includes a collapsible support comprising a pair of arms
connected for pivoting movement relative to a shuttle for engaging
the support rail.
[0073] 3. The apparatus of item 2, wherein each arm of the pair of
arms is pivotably connected to a connector, the connector including
a receiver adapted for receiving a portion of the guiderail.
[0074] 4. The apparatus of item 3, wherein the connector includes
an extension for engaging the support rail to prevent the pair of
arms from reaching a locked position.
[0075] 5. The apparatus of any of items 1-4, wherein the at least
one movable support comprises a retainer for engaging the support
rail.
[0076] 6. The apparatus of any of claims 1-5, wherein the at least
one movable support includes at least one roller for rotatably
engaging the support rail.
[0077] 7. The apparatus of any of items 1-6, wherein the clamp
comprises an actuator for selectively activating the clamp for
engaging the support rail and releasing the clamp for allowing the
at least one movable support to slide along the support rail.
[0078] 8. The apparatus of item 7, wherein the actuator includes a
wedge for selectively engaging the support rail.
[0079] 9. The apparatus of item 7 or item 8 wherein the actuator
comprises a lever.
[0080] 10. The apparatus of any of items 1-9, wherein the at least
one movable support comprises a body including at least one
retainer for retaining the actuator and an opening for receiving
and retaining the wedge.
[0081] 11. The apparatus of item 10, wherein the at least one
retainer is frictionally-enhanced for engaging the actuator as a
result of an opposing force created by engagement of the wedge with
the support rail in an actuated condition of the actuator.
[0082] 12. The apparatus of any of items 8-11, wherein the actuator
comprises a handle.
[0083] 13. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one
or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path
in a conveying direction in connection with a support rail,
comprising: [0084] at least one movable support for adjusting a
position of the guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction
transverse to the conveying direction, the at least one movable
support comprising a collapsible support for engaging the support
rail and supporting the guiderail, the collapsible support adapted
to extend and retract into the conveying path in a direction
transverse to the conveying direction to selectively position the
guiderail relative to the support rail, the at least one movable
support including a clamp adapted to clamp the at least one movable
support to the support rail for fixing a location of the at least
one movable support relative to the support rail.
[0085] 14. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one
or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path
in a conveying direction in connection with a support rail,
comprising: [0086] a shuttle adapted for moving to and fro along
the support rail, the shuttle including a lever for selectively
urging a retainer into engagement with the support rail to fix a
location of the shuttle thereon.
[0087] 15. The apparatus of item 14, wherein the retainer comprises
a wedge.
[0088] 16. The apparatus of item 14 or item 15, further including a
collapsible support comprising a pair of arms connected for
relative pivoting movement at one end, and at least one of the arms
connected to the shuttle for engaging the support rail at another
end.
[0089] 17. The apparatus of item 16, wherein each arm of the pair
of arms is pivotably connected to a connector, the connector
including a receiver adapted for receiving a portion of the
guiderail.
[0090] 18. The apparatus of item 17, wherein the connector includes
an extension for engaging the support rail to prevent the pair of
arms from reaching a locked position.
[0091] 19. The apparatus of any of items 14-18, wherein the lever
comprises channels, each for engaging the retainer associated with
the shuttle.
[0092] 20. The apparatus of item 19, wherein each retainer is
frictionally-enhanced for engaging the channels as a result of an
opposing force created by the engagement of the retainer with the
support rail in an actuated condition of the lever.
[0093] 21. A method for adjustably supporting a guiderail for
guiding one or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a
conveying path in a conveying direction, comprising: [0094]
clamping a movable support associated with the guiderail to a
support rail; and [0095] actuating the movable support to
selectively extend or retract the guiderail toward or away from the
conveying path.
[0096] 22. The method of item 21, further including the step of
releasing the clamp for allowing the movable support to slide along
the support rail.
[0097] 23. The method of item 21, wherein the clamping step
comprises using a wedge to fix the position of the movable
support.
[0098] 24. The method of item 21, wherein the clamping step
comprises lowering a clamp to form an engagement with the support
rail.
[0099] 25. The method of item 24, wherein the clamping step
comprises pressing upwardly on a handle associated with the
clamp.
[0100] 26. A method of adjusting a guiderail for guiding one or
more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in
a conveying direction, comprising: [0101] manually engaging a first
support for supporting the guiderail with a support rail to fix a
position of the first support and hence the guiderail for guiding
the one or more articles along the conveying path.
[0102] 27. The method of item 26, further including the step of
manually engaging a second support for supporting the guiderail
with the support rail.
[0103] 28. The method of item 27, further including the step of
manually engaging third and fourth supports for supporting the
guiderail with the support rail, wherein a first distance between
the first and second supports along the support rail is different
from a second distance between the third and fourth supports along
the support rail.
[0104] The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments of a
manually adjustable guiderail and related methods provide
illustration of the inventive concepts. The descriptions are not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed invention to
the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are also
possible in light of the above teachings. For instance, the
connector forming a part of the actuator may comprise a flexible
ribbon, which may be manually actuated by a lever or similar
projecting piece by which a mechanism is operated or adjusted.
While the shuttles 22, 24 are shown as overlying and sliding upon
the support rail 26, the shuttles could also be recessed within
cavities in the support rail 26, while still functioning as
shuttles. The shuttles may also take different forms, such as for
example elongated flexible ribbons connected to the arms 16, 18 and
designed to move along the support rail 26 or within a cavity
formed therein. Any elements described herein as singular can be
pluralized (i.e., anything described as "one" can be more than
one), and plural elements can be used individually. Characteristics
disclosed of a single variation of an element, the device, the
methods, or combinations thereof can be used or apply for other
variations, for example, dimensions, shapes, materials, or
combinations thereof. The terms "generally," "substantially,"
"about," or "approximately" are meant to mean as close to the
corresponding condition as reasonably possible, and typically not
varying from it by more than 10%, unless circumstances indicate
otherwise. Any species element of a genus element can have the
characteristics or elements of any other species element of that
genus. The term "comprising" is not meant to be limiting. The
above-described configurations, elements or complete assemblies and
methods and their elements for carrying out the invention, and
variations of aspects of the invention can be combined and modified
with each other in any combination.
* * * * *